The airline T&C read different from the hotel T&C. Also the airline Conditions of Carriage enter into the mix. The airline fare fules are published and are complex. The hotel rules are firm and concise.
I book NR hotel and airline when it is advantageous. Ditto for refundable rates. Read the rules FIRST.
Having said that, occasionally I screw with on a wrong date or wrong city on a NR hotel rate. If I do, I call the DD or HH reservations and explain the situation. They have always called the hotel and the hotel has always allowed my request for a slightly different date change etc. Be nice and hope a lot.
MisterNice